A woman who was fatally shot at her job Sunday afternoon in Kansas City had been trying to get out of an abusive relationship with the man believed to have killed her.

The woman, a mother of five children, was shot at the 7th Heaven store on Troost Avenue. Police said the man she had been trying to get away from killed her and then took his own life.

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The victim filed for a restraining order against the man last week. Experts told KMBC 9 News that the most dangerous time for someone being abused is when they’re leaving their abuser.

Police in Kansas City, Missouri, said they’ve seen a significant uptick in the number of family violence cases recently. Shelters across the Kansas City metropolitan area said there’s also been an increase in the levels of potentially deadly violence.

Janee Hanzlick, the president and CEO of SafeHome in Johnson County, said the key to safely leaving a dangerous situation is planning. She said experts who can help someone who wants to leave are just a hotline call away.

“We have advocates and staff who are highly trained in helping people get out of those abusive relationships, but it a way that’s going to be safe and protect their lives,” Hanzlick said.

Anyone who wants to talk about safely leaving an abusive relationship can call 816-468-5463.

There are seven domestic violence shelters in the Kansas City metropolitan area. While the shelters are often busy, they always make room for people who are in danger.